Learn how to say “no” to yourself and others

According to “The Seattle Times,” the amount of people who have felt overwhelmed by schoolwork and other commitments has risen from 27.1 percent to 34.6 percent since 2014.

In today’s world, there seems to be a common obsession with being busy, which can be linked to the idea that avoiding activities is negative.

People should learn how to say “no” to themselves and others in order to prioritize what truly matters to them. Setting boundaries for yourself will keep you from agreeing to commitments when you can’t reasonably accomplish them. Saying “no” does not make you a bad person, even though an unhealthy apprehension to saying “no” results from feeling guilty.

Having strong intentions and prioritizing what you are dedicated to is key. Steve Jobs advocated this concept when he said, “It’s only by saying ‘no’ that you can concentrate on the things that are really important.”

Nancy Bouwens, a life coach who practices simple living, identifies the top five reasons why it is hard for people to say “no.”

First, people want to help. Growing up, we are taught to extend help in any way possible.

Second, people do not want to be rude. Saying “no” feels impolite, and no one wants to feel uncivilized.

Third, most people dislike conflict. Whenever people are asked a question that warrants an answer, we often look at the negative.

Next, people can be inconsiderate or try to guilt you into doing something so it becomes easier to agree, rather than being in the uncomfortable situation of saying “no”. You also do not want to miss out. What will we miss if we say “no”?

Lastly, we are afraid of rejection. Learning to say “no” often has positive outcomes by putting each individual in charge of their own life.

In a prior article from Etown Simplified on time management, a number of ideas regarding ways to handle one’s time were discussed. This is reflected in learning to say “no,” as some items simply will not fit into one’s schedule.

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